Building A Shoreline For All

The Waterfront Initiative brings together a growing network of stakeholders and partners, including First Nations, varying levels of government, the private sector and civil society to shape the future of our waterfront together.

We are working to build ...

… A thriving and sustainable waterfront: We seek to build a shoreline that supports current and future needs for recreation, access to nature, healthy ecosystems and a strong economy that benefits all citizens.

… A diverse waterfront: The waterfront is a place where people live, work, move around, recreate and connect with nature. We seek to protect and enhance the cultural, economic and ecological diversity of our shoreline.

… A connected waterfront: Vancouver’s waterfront has the potential to function as a link for our community, economy and ecosystems. We seek to ensure the distinct elements of our shoreline connect and harmonize with each other.

… A resilient waterfront: We seek solutions for a well-designed and well-managed shoreline that is able to absorb and respond to sudden and long-term changes.

We are guided by the principles of ...

… Collaboration: We seek to leverage common ground and opportunities to work together, and engage in respectful exchange on challenging discussions.

… Accountability: Our work is about measurable impacts and is committed to transparency and accountability to produce real change for our waterfront.

… Inclusion: The Waterfront Initiative is an invitation to all organizations with an interest in or a connection to the shoreline to work together towards the goals specified above.

… Public engagement: We engage citizens in the work of the Initiative and aim to help connect the public with the shoreline.

How are we going to do it?

Inspired by the success of the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance in New York and New Jersey and guided by the Collective Impact model for solving complex challenges, Georgia Strait Alliance serves as the backbone organization for the Waterfront Initiative. Georgia Strait Alliance convenes the Waterfront Network’s meetings and working groups, and facilitates the development of:

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I support Georgia Strait Alliance because the work they do is making a difference; it’s making it better for everybody. Together, we are protecting this incredible place that continues to fascinate me.